Day 7 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 7 – Around Nimrod

My husband and I spent the day in Clifton Forge (visiting Alleghany Highlands Arts and the C&O Railroad Museum) and in Hot Springs (at the Bath County Art Show). To get from one to the other, we drove Rt 606. Writing was never far from my thoughts.

Clifton Forge, Virginia, 1910 view of Ridegway Street
Clifton Forge, Virginia, 1910

In “War and Murder at Nimrod Hall” (forthcoming in February, 2016, in the next volume of Virginia Is For Mysteries) Clara and Major Bruce arrive at Millboro Depot on the Virginia Central Railway.

And in my novel Nettie’s Books, people were always “in the C&O”–meaning the hospital in Clifton Forge–or going to Clifton Forge for banking or shopping.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll write more fiction set in this area. Just yesterday I was wearing a T-shirt that says, “Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel.” A woman in a parking lot stopped me to say she’d first misread  it as, “Careful, or you’ll end up in my navel.” IMAGINE THAT!

The road we traveled was full of hair-pin bends, switchbacks, and S-curves–not even a full two lanes wide. It reminds me of Kentucky roads of my childhood. I imagine Nettie and Roy (in my 1930s novel) would have considered this road a superhighway!

back roads in Virginia
Virginia back roads

Tonight we had dinner in Hot Springs at The Golden Pigs–small, but excellent food. We liked it so much last night that we returned tonight.

The Golden Pigs in Hot Springs, Virginia
The Golden Pigs

And it came to my attention that The Homestead doesn’t have a lock on the steam from the springs!

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

 

Day 6 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 6

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers walking

Closing out the first week: by this morning, we were five walkers instead of two. We walked to the high bridge–and talked, of course.

Along the way, we passed Heaven’s Gate. This new, polished sign is the only Nimrod upgrade I can’t really appreciate.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sign reading, "Heaven's Gate"

Returning, I had a rare view of Nimrod from the back.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop view of Nimrod Hall through morning mist

My husband picked me up about noon for a weekend away. We drove through Highland County, VA, and Pocahontas County, WV. The mountains look more rugged than around Nimrod.

Mountains Highland County, VA, or Pocahontas County, WV

On one walk, I came across this big, flat rock. It reminded me of a rock at Granny and Grandpa’s–the Old Home Place–at the head of Old House Creek. That rock hosted tea parties with tiny china cups and snakes taking the sun.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sunning rock

And as I wind down the day, the story ideas generated this week swirl me to sleep–ideas generated on walks and alone in my room, but mostly during talks of family, relationships, sex, religion–talks walking, eating, sipping wine after dinner. Next week will be great!

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4 

Day 5

Day 5 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 5

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sign reading, "Please do not explore the old camp cabins. They are not safe. Enjoy from a distance! Thank you"

Once upon a time, and for a long time, there was a boys’ camp here. I think that ended somewhere around 1950. This morning’s walk took me by the remains.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop abandoned cabins of old boys' camp

Earlier, I posted a picture of folks waiting for the breakfast bell. FYI, all meals are served family style. And, by the way, said food is great. Here’s a picture of this week’s writers at lunch.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers at lunch around table

Today was yin/yang, emotionally–a wonderful experience coming to an end. Dr. Seuss, in his personal persona, said something like, “Do not weep that it is done, smile that it happened.” Seems right.
Author Vivian Lawry at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop
So, last day of focused writing. I’ve nearly finished polishing a short memoir piece AND I have half a dozen wacky ideas for short fiction. All very gratifying.

After dinner tonight, we had our last hoorah: ten of us read for five minutes each. I read the first 2.5 pages of “War and Murder at Nimrod Hall”–to be published in February of 2016 in the sequel to Virginia Is For Mysteries–and I didn’t take pictures! Opportunity lost.

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4 

Day 4 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 4

On a usual day at Nimrod, another writer and I start with a walk. Mist shrouding the mountains is typical.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop misty lane

 

As we walk, chatting about changes over the past year, writing, weather, nature–whatever–the sun burns off the mist.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop mist lifting

We can enjoy the glory of day lilies and spider webs new each morning.

We are usually back by 8:00, grab a mug of coffee, and join other writers and guests waiting for the breakfast bell.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers waiting for the breakfast bell outside

By 9:00 or a little after, I’m back in Square House. From then till 1:30 lunch is quiet time, when all good little writers are pounding out pages of prose and poetry–or at least not disturbing others!

Nimrod-Hall-Day-4-Square-House

 

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 3 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 3

Yesterday was a tough writing day. I couldn’t control the movements of my cursor–no creating, editing, or even printing documents. At a writing workshop! I tried everything I or others could think of. By late afternoon I was ready to pull my flat hair out by the roots. But as I was starting to unplug the @!*#¥ thing, I noticed how hot it was. Could it possibly be suffering heat stroke? What you see below is The Fix: four travel-size bars of soap elevating my laptop and allowing air flow.

Laptop on soap during day 3 at Nimrod Hall Writers Workshop

BTW, this big wooden table isn’t the one I brought from home. Between last year and this, “my” room in Square House was gifted with this table and an arm chair. Whoopee!

Rain this morning prevented my before-breakfast walk, so no scenic views along Nimrod Lane or the Cowpasture River–but there’s still time!

Anyway, great writing today. Yesterday’s workshop feedback inspired me to create a more powerful ending for my memoir. I think it will be ready to send out soon!

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 2 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Vivian Lawry reading at Nimrod Hall Writers' WorkshopNimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 2

At the Nimrod Writers’ Workshops, the first thing to go is sleep. The second thing is any pride of appearance. I live in T-shirts, scrub pants, and Tevas. Here I am doing my after-dinner reading, from DIFFERENT DRUMMER, “The Darwinian Co-Op Lending Library.”

Today was my big day to be “on”: I had group critiques of a memoir and of a short story, and tonight I read. I always like to clear my obligations ASAP so I can work on the pieces after.

A lot of good writers are here this year. Three more days won’t be enough!

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1 

Day 1 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

My room at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop

 

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 1

Midnight is approaching. I’m wiped out–equal parts exhaustion and expectation! Sheri Reynolds is the writer-in-residence for Week 1. I met her this afternoon when she helped unload my “stuff,” got to know her a bit during our organizational meeting, and heard her read in our after-dinner session. She is enthusiastic, funny, well organized, and flexible. What’s not to love?

I just finished setting up the work area of my bed/writing room. The oldest part of the main building at Nimrod dates from 1783. Now it’s greatly expanded plus there are numerous outbuildings. My room is in Square House, photo to follow in the next day or so.

But wherever the room, the amenities are the same: no TV, no phone, no heat, and no AC. Although each room is equipped with a fan, I brought my own so I can have simultaneous intake and exhaust. Last I checked, the temperature was 81. I’m hoping for pleasant sleeping soon.

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log posts

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Off to Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Heading Out

For many years I’ve traveled to Nimrod Hall in Millboro, Virginia, for their annual writing retreat. Nimrod has inspired several of my stories and given me hours of valuable writing time.  This year, I’ll share a brief travel log.

Packed for Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop

So, I’ve packed for Nimrod. This photo doesn’t include  laptop or the “supplemental food” I must take to meet my vegan protein needs. But Nimrod is rustic, so fan, work table, and writing “stuff” such as a travel printer are needed. I tend to travel heavy regardless, and now everything for two weeks–with special focus on insect repellent.

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Day 1

Sisters in Crime Upcoming Events

Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia seeks to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. I’m proud to be a member. If you’re interested in joining, you can find out more about the national organization here. You can also join us on Facebook for more information.

Here are upcoming Sisters in Crime events for Central Virginia:

Saturday, August 1: Virginia is for Mysteries authors will present at the 2015 Virginia Writers Club (VWC) Writers Symposium — Navigating Your Writing Life: Balancing Craft and Business at the Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, VA.

Saturday, August 22: Several SinC-CVa chapter members will appear at the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival (facebook.com/SuffolkMysteryAuthorsFestival or through suffolk-fun.com).

Thursday through Sunday October 8-11 (with Wednesday 10/7 SinC into Great Writing workshop, for extra fee): The mystery conference Bouchercon is in Raleigh this year.

Friday, October 30: SinC-CVa and the Virginia is for Mysteries authors will assist the Chesterfield County Library System with their Friends of the Library fundraiser “Murder at the Library.” More details to come.

Saturday, October 31: The SinC-CVa “Lethal Ladies” authors are planning a book signing at Chop Suey Books in Carytown. More details to come.

Happy writing!